5 Gaps in the Youth and Parents' Relationship

INTRODUCTION

The year 2019 was a memorable year for the whole world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After the lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, every school started teaching students online, as this was the only way to continue teaching students. During that time, every parent started arranging gadgets. On the one hand, every person was trying to save their own precious lives, along with their loved ones. At the same time, technology has made its impact on everyone's mind. Before the coronavirus pandemic, most people were not addicted to technology, very few people knew about online study methods, the Zoom app and the Google app. Coronavirus has given a big lesson to the world. Today, we can see that there is a mobile in every hand and everyone uses it for online studies. Now, from that time till today, and in the future too, everyone will be dependent on technology. Technology has had an impact on mental health and social media addiction. Someone's eyesight has become weak, and someone has got glasses. Technology is a very good way to connect in one click. On the other hand, consumers are misusing it; this is the most worrying thing for the whole world. Now let's come to the main points.

In the digital age, youth are immersed in technology from an early age. Smartphones, social media, online education and gaming platforms have become an integral part of their daily lives. This means that digital is not wrong, but our habits are wrong. At present, these tools provide immense opportunities for growth, online earning, creativity, and engagement, helping users become masters quickly. However, at the same time, youth are fast falling prey to wrong friendships and digital fraud through digital media. This has become a significant problem not only for the youth but for people across all sections. Now, in such a situation, it is important for parents, social leaders, political leaders and religious leaders to come forward to protect the coming new generation from all these digital misuses. Youth need to be given the right education and training so that the new generation can be helped to use digital and take full advantage of it.

Understanding Digital Literacy

If the youth try to understand digital literacy themselves, it will go in the wrong direction. It means they need a guide and experts for a better understanding of digital literacy. If parents are not aware of digital literacy, they need to seek some experts or send their children to the nearest institute for better education. Knowing computer and digital literacy is not enough, but understanding it is important. Digital literacy goes much beyond basic computer skills. The central government has started many digital literacy institutes in states and cities. Organisations or institutes, and the corporate sector, have also started various training institutes in schools and colleges. It is completely free for students, as nowadays we have entered the digital age, and every new generation must know about digital operating systems. Students are learning basic computer knowledge in school itself, along with their studies, and understanding how to operate a computer and how to get benefits from it online. How to transfer money to each other, or how to do online marketing.

Some important things are being learned by students in this field.

Critical thinking while consuming online content. Ethical behaviour in digital interactions. Technical knowledge to use devices safely and effectively. Awareness of digital rights and responsibilities.

Young people should learn to evaluate sources, distinguish between facts and opinions, and recognise misleading content. In rural areas, where access may be limited, basic training in device use and internet navigation is crucial. In urban areas, responsible engagement and media understanding should be emphasised.

Healthy Digital Habits

What are healthy digital habits?

In today’s technology-driven world, developing healthy digital habits is essential for personal growth and emotional well-being; this means not harming yourself and others. Mindful use of screens, safe online behaviour, and thoughtful content selection shape young people’s relationships with themselves and others. By limiting mobile screen time, practising digital kindness, and protecting privacy, they develop wisdom and resilience. Offline engagement—through reflection, hobbies, and relationships—creates a balance between constant connectivity. Whether urban or rural, empowering young people to take control of their digital lives can lead to a shift in values and purpose that will benefit not just their family but society as a whole. I once visited a rural village and had the opportunity to spend time with a family. We started talking about the digital world and its advantages and disadvantages. There are four members in a family, and all of them have mobile phones. Both children are using their mobile phones to study online or search for study material. The family has made strict rules of keeping mobile phones in a separate room after 9:30 pm. This rule is very flexible for everyone, and happily, they kept their mobile phones in a room till morning. This was the one thing that surprised me. I started to learn about the rule they made, parents want to prevent their children from misusing mobile phones in their locked room at night. They know the passwords of everyone's mobile phones very well. They can see and operate anyone's phone, as they have no secrets in their mind. Parents should teach their children to use digital gadgets for healthy purposes. Otherwise, technology can become addictive; hence, it is important to maintain healthy habits. Parents should encourage screen time limits and digital detox routines for their children. On the other hand, parents should encourage children to take up offline activities like sports, reading books, and sometimes community services. Also, teach young people to be mindful of their emotional reactions to online content and inform them of the rules and regulations of digital platforms to prevent them from being harmed. If possible, apply value filters to guide media consumption. Parents should periodically teach that religious and spiritual or moral frameworks can help young people evaluate whether their digital choices are consistent with their personal or community values.

Empowerment through education

Empowering youth through digital literacy education is essential to prepare them to thrive in today’s technology-driven world. Digital literacy gives youth the ability to access, evaluate, and create information responsibly using digital tools. It promotes critical thinking, ethical online behaviour, and informed decision-making.

In urban areas, structured programs can integrate digital skills into the school curriculum, focusing on safe internet use, media literacy, and online collaboration. For rural youth, community-based workshops, mobile learning units, and bilingual resources can bridge access gaps and promote inclusivity.

Education must go beyond technical skills-it must create awareness about digital rights, privacy, and cybersecurity. By engaging youth in interactive learning, peer mentoring, and real-world applications like digital entrepreneurship or civic engagement, we nurture confidence and creativity.

Support from teachers, parents, and local leaders is crucial. When youth are guided to use technology for learning, expression, and problem-solving, they become agents of change in their communities. Digital literacy is not just a skill-it is a path to empowerment, equity, and innovation.

Education is the cornerstone of digital empowerment. Strategies include:

School-based programs that incorporate digital literacy into the curriculum.

Community workshops tailored to local needs and languages.

Peer-led initiatives where trained youth mentor others.

Bilingual resources to ensure inclusivity and understanding.

In rural areas, visual content, storytelling, and mobile outreach can bridge the literacy gap. In urban areas, interactive apps and online courses can deepen engagement.